The government has taken the initiative to open Ramgarh land port in Khagrachhari in order to boost trade with north-eastern states of India.
The Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) and other bodies almost completed all the preparations to launch the dream Ramgarh land port. The work of widening and modernization project of 38-km Baroiarhat-Ramgarh is beginning today (Wednesday).
People of Chattogram region are happy over the move. Chattogram Zilla Parishad Chairman ATM Pearul Islam said that Ramgarh land port is more important than Benapole in economic terms.
He said this while addressing a press conference at Chattogram Press Club on Tuesday to congratulate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on behalf of the people of Chattogram for taking steps to launch the dream Ramgarh land port.
Former President of IEB Chattogram Center Engineer Md. Harun, Chattogram city Awami League leader Lion Didarul Alam Chowdhury, Jubo League leader SM Rashedul Alam and Fatikchari Upazila Parishad Chairman Hossain Md. Abu Taib were also present at the press conference, among others.
ATM Pearul Islam said that if Ramgarh land port is opened, the trade with India will further expand to the seven states of India including Nepal, Bhutan and other states. It takes a lot of time to go from Chattogram to Benapole. But if Ramgarh becomes operational, the goods which are imported and exported through Benapole land port will be able to be imported in less time and cost. Ramgarh will play a greater role in utilizing benefits like Mirsharai Economic Zone, Chattogram Port and Matarbari deep sea port.
He said that the communication system has been developed in north Chattogram including Mirsharai-Fatikchari centring on Ramgarh land port. Especially the Bangladesh-India Friendship Bridge-1 built on Feni river. which connects Ramgarh with Tripura state of India.
The foundation stone of the project being laid on Wednesday is the Baroiarhat-Ramgarh road widening and modernization project with a length of 38 km. It will have 9 bridges with a length of 249.20 meters and 23 bridges with a length of 108 meters. Note that 24 bridges and 24 bridges have been built by JICA.
The cost of this project is Tk 1107.12 crore, of which Tk 594.07 crore is provided as loan by Indian State Credit. The prime minister presented various facts and arguments in the request to take the necessary activities to widen the existing road Oxygen-Hathazari-Nazirhat-Heyako Panua to 4 lanes, construct the Dhaka-Chittagong alternative national highway and extend the 35 km railway line from Nazirhat railway station to Heyako-Panua-Ramgarh. He was able to explain to the Minister of Communications that it is possible to reach the border of the Indian district from Chittagong sea port over Hathazari and Fatikchari upazilas at a distance of 90 km by road and rail in one and a half hours.
